15th July 2002

National's Broadcasting Policy - Culture, Commerce And Content

National's broadcasting policy will rebuild TVNZ and ensure more local content, says spokesperson Katherine Rich.

"Rebuilding the financial health of TVNZ is a major priority for National. Under Marian Hobb's stewardship TVNZ has lost billions of dollars in value and has become a shell of its former self.

"It is so important that TVNZ is in a healthy financial state because it means it can afford more local content and programming, without Government subsidy or interference.

"National supports an increase in local content for both TV1 and TV2. We will also remove NZ on Air's recoupment requirements so that the marketing of programming by grant recipients domestically and overseas is encouraged.

"Broadcasting has had to put up with delays, waffle and general lack of progress over the last three years. This is a portfolio desperately in need of strong leadership and advocacy," said Ms Rich.

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